Another key supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Morristown has been selected for the state’s Hall of Fame.

Herbert “Buddy” Mayes has served on the Board of Directors for the last 48 years.

During his tenure he has served as Chief Volunteer Officer (1980-82), Vice Chair of the Board (1978-80), Chair of the President’s Council/Executive Committee (1982-84), been a leading fundraiser, board recruiter and Club ambassador for the organization throughout his tenure.

In addition, he was instrumental in helping the Club establish the Club’s major fundraising event (the Super Auction) which now raises over $125,000 annually for the Club.

Mayes’ interest in and support of the Boys and Girls Club of Morristown extends way beyond his generosity, outstanding leadership and commitment to the Club’s fundraising events and special events over the last 48 years.

Mayes and his family have taken volunteerism to another level and have genuinely loved the Club, its members and their families at the highest level.

From providing Christmas gifts for Club members and their families for over 20 years, to purchasing clothes for kids, helping members purchase their first car, helping provide resources for kids to attend school functions/trips, helping chaperone Club events, providing jobs for teens, helping former Club members start their own businesses, and helping numerous Club families with funeral expenses.

He continues to go above and beyond to help our young people, and their families realize their full potential and overcome tough life circumstances.

Perhaps one of his most important accomplishments he valued most was recruiting Bill Seals back to the Boys and Girls Club of Morristown as Executive Director in 1980.

With the Club facing many challenges to stay open at that time, Mayes along with Seals and the Board were able to overcome those challenges and reach incredible heights including securing numerous State and National BGCA program awards, celebrating a National Youth of the Year Winner in 1995 (Jason Reese) and a National Youth of the Year Runner-up in 1987 (Rudy Abate)- who Buddy helped mentor.

Professionally, Buddy earned his degree from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in 1969. In 1971, he married (the late) Donna Tinnell Mayes, forming a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, family and service.

In 1972, Buddy and his father purchased Mayes Mortuary continuing a legacy of compassionate care that has served families across generations.

Together, Buddy and Donna raised three children- Terri, Tracy and Tyler along with several grandchildren.

Buddy has also served as President of the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, President of Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and later as Vice President of Operations for one of the largest providers of funeral, cemetery and cremation services in North America. Currently, Buddy is semi-retired but continues to work part-time at Stubblefield Funeral Home alongside his daughter continuing to help families in the community.

Mayes has received the highest honor the local Boys & Girls Club provides including the President’s Gavel (1982), the Man of the Year Award/Service to Youth Award (1986).

In addition, he was the recipient of the Boys & Girls Club Foundation of Morristown prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Service (2021).

Mayes also served the broader local community in many ways including: serving on the Youth Emergency Shelter Board, the Kingswood Home for Children Board (CVO), the Morristown Jaycees, and the Rotary Club of Morristown for many years.

According to Executive Director John Seals, “It is my honor and privilege to nominate and recommend Buddy Mayes to be inducted into the Tennessee Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.

“He has positively impacted the lives of so many youth in our community, including myself. Without a doubt, Buddy exemplifies everything the Hall of Fame seeks to honor. He is so deserving of this recognition but does not seek statewide recognition.”